Xanthones and Mangosteens
Properties of Xanthones

Xanthones - pronounced zan-thones, are sets of polyphenolic compounds that only occur in a very limited way in nature.

The richest known natural source of xanthones is the mangosteen or Garcinia Mangostana fruit, which contains over forty xanthones. The next known closest single source of xanthones is garlic which has nine.

Xanthones found in the mangosteen fruit seem to be a better antioxidant than most other known types and are said to be able to slow down the aging process in our body and also help combat free radical cell damage.

The potent effects on human health of the Mangosteen have been observed for centuries in Southeast Asia but it is only recently that these benefits have come to light in the Western world. Ongoing medical studies have shown that there are definitely health benefits to be gained from this extraordinary rare tropical fruit.

In Southeast Asia, where it is used to treat and cure a host of ailments and diseases, the mangosteen has already been shown to have both antibacterial and anti fungal properties. It also appears to be very good at supporting the immune system and making a weak immune system stronger. This could be very good news for those suffering from chronic immune problems, such as those that accompany the HIV virus.

Mangosteens, particularly the xanthones found in them, also seem to be of benefit to the circulatory system since they help dilate blood vessels, which in turn improves blood flow. Increased blood flow can help many people, particularly those who are suffering from poor circulation due to such problems as diabetes.

The xanthones in the mangosteen fruit have also been credited with many other positive health benefits. People who use mangosteen on a regular basis have claimed that it can alleviate numerous ailments such as fatigue, depression, vertigo, eczema, and gum disease. There are even claims that it can cure or at least slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, glaucoma, and certain kinds of cancer cells due to the antioxidant effects of xanthones. However, these are only claims which have not been proven from a medical standpoint.

Proving that it can cure cancer and other long term diseases will take long term research to confirm. In the short term, however, it has helped many with various ailments and made many people feel better. Even though some may consider it snake oil at best, others will swear by it.

Nevertheless, some of the research into the effects of xanthones found in the mangosteen fruit seem to be very promising. Just the fact that it has potent anti viral properties is important. When it comes to treating viruses, there are not that many options as antibiotics have little or no effect on them. Usually, the only treatment for viral infections or colds is to wait for your body to rid itself of the virus.

Only time will tell if the xanthones in the mangosteen fruit will turn out to be the cure all that many people claim they are. Long term clinical studies are needed to prove that it can cure cancer and other long term diseases but there is no getting away from the fact that this rare fruit from Southeast Asia contains xanthones that stand alone in their impressive benefits.